Additionally, the College Engagement team coordinates the partnerships with colleges from across Scotland, and maintains a close working relationship with North East College Scotland (NESCol). Widening Access delivers outreach, engagement programmes and transitional support initiatives throughout the learner journey from initial contact to supporting in-study participation for students from underrepresented in higher education backgrounds.
Widening Access Initiatives
The Schools Engagement team deliver a programme of activities within regional secondary schools which run from the junior to senior phases in our partner regional secondary schools. Each project is designed to provide learners with immersive university study experiences with the aim to empower their post-secondary school study opportunities. The Schools Engagement team co-design their initiatives with equal contributions by University academics and partner secondary schools to ensure each project is correctly mapped to the age and stage of the pupils, and the curriculum needs of the secondary school.
Similarly, the College Engagement team has strong relationships with colleagues at NESCol and colleges across Scotland. This team holds responsibility for the development and renewal of course level (articulation) agreements and maintains Access and other college pathway routes to RGU study. The Associate Student Scheme provides opportunities for college students to access RGU resources, including access to the University’s online library catalogue, whilst studying a HN qualification at college.
The School and College Engagement teams diligently work to support school leavers from within the region, applicants and students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in higher education and learners joining via a college pathway to experience a positive transition when joining RGU.
Our Projects
- Northern Lights – a junior phase (S1 & S2) secondary school engagement project.
- ACCESS TO – a senior phase (S5 & S6) secondary school engagement project.
- RGU Hub Schools – an initiative on track to have a physical presence in all regional secondary schools providing outreach, UCAS and one-to-one pupil guidance.
- Associate Student Scheme – for college-based HN learners considering progressing to the University.
- Additional Funded Places Scheme – an enhanced version on the Associate Student Scheme with guaranteed progression to RGU, and reciprocal college/RGU visits.
- Degree Link – the portfolio of formal articulation agreements with partner colleges.
- Degree Prep – an orientation and study skills programme for offer holders joining with a HN qualification from college.
- RGU NESCol Hub – provides members of the College Engagement team a physical and online presence at NESCol’s City Centre, Altens and Fraserburgh campuses.
- Access Scholarships – a range of funding opportunities to eligible widening access background students.